Ten steps for initial interviews with clients
Below are ten best practices for solicitors when interviewing clients for the first time.
Guidance and Ethics, Practice Management 08/05/2014- Make sure the client has been advised of the need to bring AML (anti-money-laundering) documents,
- Make the client welcome and try and reassure them if they are nervous.
- At the outset, ask them if they have any particular concerns or worries they wish to ask about,
- Take all personal details such as address, phone, email, and so on.
- Explain the purpose of the interview and the fact that you will need to ask a lot of questions,
- As solicitors, we have a duty to probe for information where appropriate – ask the client to expand or clarify information,
- If the file relates to a contentious matter where evidence will be in dispute, explain to the client what the other side are likely to argue.
- Make sure to ask the client what he/she wants you to do – do not assume you know,
- Explain the process/likely timeframe to the client,
- Give the client as much information on costs as is realistically possible. It will be their biggest concern going into the meeting!
